Unloved (The Undone, #2)

by Peyton Corinne

I’d give anything for one of those moments with her again, walls down, complete vulnerability and real affection.

I make a vow then to protect her, the pretty girl with butterflies in her messy curls, even if she’ll never really be mine.

“Rosalie.” He smirks. “Fancy seeing you here.” “Surprise!” I say, a giggle bursting. “It was a last-minute thing. But I’m excited to see you.” “I’m excited for you to watch me.” Our smiles feed off each other, growing wider to the point they’re almost ridiculous. “Thanks, princess.”

He’s so beautifully happy.

“It’s okay. The lights are off—everyone’s sleeping or got headphones in. You’re fine, cry if you need to. I’ve got you.” I believe him.

“Real people don’t act like they do in your books, Ro.” But it wasn’t even the romance I’d wanted. It was my desperation for wanting to feel something real. Something overwhelming, but worth it.

I’d lived entire lives, thousands of them, in books. And part of me always imagined what falling in love would feel like.

“To be loved is to be seen—and she’s the first person to really see him. That’s why they fall in love.”

I think I’m in love with her—not even romantically, but on some soul level. I feel devoted to her.

“Accusing you of not applying yourself? God—I’m insulted for you. To fight me on that? They don’t know anything about you.” Ro swings back toward me, finger wagging toward my face. “Don’t listen to a single thing they said. You’re so smart and kind and I’m proud of you, so… So screw them! You’re better than all of them anyway, Matty. Smarter, too.” I should laugh, but I can’t breathe.

“You can keep going,” I stammer. “I like you angry for me.”

I’m sure the guys on the team bus think music is thumping through my ears. But it’s the voice of my favorite girl in the world.

for the hour-long drive. She didn’t question me once, no Where are we going? She didn’t even ask for a hint. Her trust is exhilarating.

Eyes wide, she’s still staring at the faded yellow building smooshed between plain redbrick storefronts. The awning is green and white striped, with an old pink sign that reads In a Clinch. Painted across the window are the words Sweet, Spicy & Vintage Bodice Ripper Romance.

He took her to a bookstore-

Just Ro’s reaction on seeing the little bookstore is enough to feed me for a lifetime.

“Hey, Ro,” I say, snagging her attention. “There’s a cafe in the back. I’m going to get us a coffee and chai if they have it, okay? Take your time looking around.”

My dream date, cute.

Opal rings us up. I worked out payment in advance so Ro doesn’t even have the opportunity to try to pay for it. I pile her copies, some new and some old, into the tote bag we’ve also purchased, setting the pastel pink bag on my shoulder and heading for the door with Ro behind me.

Seeing you look dreamily at shirtless men on book covers might be my new favorite pastime. Besides.” I shrug and look away from her. “I might’ve grabbed some audiobook CDs while we were there, so I could read your favorites.”

Living without her at all now seems like some difficult thing. But so does living with her, because my admiration and respect for her are becoming a deep well with an end I’ll never find.

Not even tipsy, but completely drunk on his presence.

Freddy never makes anyone feel like an outsider, I’m realizing. He’s kind with everyone. He’s attractive, physically, yes, but he’s truly attractive because of how he treats those around him.

“Ready?” To see Matt Fredderic in a suit that nearly made me choke on my dirty chai the first time? No. No, I am not.

In my dreams, I take care of you the way you take care of other people, and you’re relaxed and calm. And before bed, you tell me how easy it is to love me. I’m starting to think I’d give up anything, even hockey, for that life with you.

Loving Rosalie Shariff would be the easiest thing I’ve ever done—I know, because I’m already doing it. I think I’ve loved her since the day she stood up for me in that conference room. As a friend first, something I’ve never had, but now it’s more.

I think loving you would be the greatest thing in my life.